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Unlike most of the other beaches along the Jersey shore, the beaches in Wildwood, New Jersey, remain free -- meaning there's no option for renting beach space or buying a beach tag. Leaders in the town have talked about imposing a beach fee as other beaches in New Jersey do, but as of 2011, you don't have to pay to visit the beach in the Wildwood area. Since the area is so popular with families and tourists, beaches can get quite crowded, so if you're looking for a little more personal time at the beach, your best bet is to rent a hotel room right on the sand.

Step 1

Talk with the members of your group about what type of accommodation will suit you. If you want the most exclusive use of the beach you can get when the beaches are free and public, you may want to opt for a more upscale resort that at least features a private pool. Staying at an oceanside motel will be less expensive and give you more of a chance to meet people and get a little wild. Discuss the type of accommodations you each are expecting, so you can narrow your search for something that will suit everyone in the group.

Step 2

Start your search for possible accommodations by visiting the official website for the Greater Wildwood Tourism Improvement and Development Authority. Click on "Where to Stay," then click your selected price range and "Oceanfront," so you get to see only the properties right on the ocean. When the list of available accommodations appears on the next page, click a hotel, motel, resort or condo title to read a short description of the accommodation.

Step 3

Click on the link for the accommodation's website to be directed to more information. Browse the accommodation's website to get information about the types of beach access and the nature of the beach near the accommodation, as well as prices, types of rooms and extras such as swimming pools. Be sure also to check the times of year that the accommodation is open; since the Jersey shore temperatures dip dramatically after September and before May, many places only stay open May to October. Also check about parking; some places provide it free, and others charge extra.

Step 4

Call the accommodation of your choice, or connect online if the option is available, to reserve your accommodations during the time of year you want them. Be sure to have a credit card on hand to reserve it.

Step 5

Arrive at the beach as early as possible in the morning to set out a space for yourself. Beaches get crowded, so place a towel or blanket over an area to reserve that space for the day. If you're going to walk away from your space for a while, be sure to keep checking on it, as things may blow away or get moved by other eager beach-goers.

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About the Author

Nicole Vulcan has been a journalist since 1997, covering parenting and fitness for The Oregonian, careers for CareerAddict, and travel, gardening and fitness for Black Hills Woman and other publications. Vulcan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism from the University of Minnesota. She's also a lifelong athlete and is pursuing certification as a personal trainer.

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